From McDonald’s to the fanciest restaurants, everyone seems to be offering “premium” burgers made from Angus beef patties. But what’s so great about them? Is it really a higher quality or better tasting meat? And how much more does Angus beef cost you, if you decide to indulge yourself?
What “Angus Beef” means
Angus is a type of cow, specifically one that meets the “Certified Angus Beef” (CAB) standards, which were created by the American Angus Association in the 1970s. Technically, a cow doesn’t have to be full-blooded Angus to be certified Angus. Cows up to three-quarters Angus but mixed with other cow breeds can also be certified Angus. However, overall fewer than 10% of all beef cows earn the designation of “Angus.”
Essentially, burgers made with Angus beef patties are like “brand-name” burgers. If the meat is certified Angus, then it’s like a guarantee that your “Jack and Coke” is made with the name brand ingredients, rather than a generic whiskey and cola.
Angus Beef Requirements
To be deemed Angus beef, the criteria include that the cow be black or red in color, with a specific body weight (no more than 1,000 lbs.) and that the neck hump cannot exceed 5 cm.
In addition, the meet must have a modest or high degree of marbling, with a medium or fine marbling texture, and must have less than 1-inch fat thickness, in addition to a few other specific requirements.
Black Angus Beef Requirements
In order to be certified as “Black Angus,” the cow which provides the meat must be at least 51% black over its entire body. Some people believe that the genetics of black Angus cows is different and produces a higher quality meat than red Angus cows.
What goes into “premium” Angus Beef Patties
Premium Angus beef patties are similar to other beef patties in their processing and preparation. However, there is going to be a difference in the quality, depending on the cuts of beef used to make the patties. Just as with non-Angus beef, it matters whether the beef ground for the hamburger patties is chuck or ribeye or sirloin.
So, while it’s quite possibly true that your fast food burger joint is using 100% certified Angus beef – or even 100% certified black Angus beef – it doesn’t mean that their burger is going to be as good as an Angus burger somewhere else. They’re not lying – it is Angus – but it’s probably not the best cuts of Angus beef that went into that patty.
On the other hand, because of the precise quality that all Angus beef must maintain, even the cheapest fast-food Angus burgers will taste better than many non-Angus restaurant burgers. And, the Angus burgers on the fast food menu will always be thicker, and probably more flavorful, than the non-Angus burgers on the same fast-food menu.
Where you can find Angus Beef
Of course, while you can find Angus beef patties at some fast food places, you’re more likely to find better quality at your favorite burger restaurant. Always check the menu to see if they sport the 100% certified Angus beef seal, or if their options list Angus beef. If not, ask for it! Many top restaurants love it when their customers are specific about their preferences – it helps them know how to develop to better serve their needs!
In addition to eating out, check for Angus beef at your local supermarket or butcher. If they don’t have pre-made Angus beef patties, ask for them! Most butchers will be glad to make your ground beef out of the specific cut you choose, and a custom order gives you the chance to request how finely you would like the beef ground, too.
Conclusion: Treat Yourself to Angus Beef Patties when you feel like it!
Beef can be pricey, and many people are cutting it out of their budgets as a more expensive meal option. However, if you’re looking to cut down on your beef consumption, then when you enjoy beef, shouldn’t it be the best? Angus beef is generally more tender, with a more consistent and even texture and marbling than other beef. Especially if you’re grilling burgers at home, it’s worth the splurge to get yourself Angus beef patties.